The Palace of Holyroodhouse
After a morning exploring Edinburgh Castle, we made our way down the Royal Mile to The Palace of Holyroodhouse. And what a contrast it was. While the castle sits high and rugged, full of military history and dramatic views, Holyroodhouse felt elegant, polished, and very much alive with tradition.
Although we weren’t allowed to take photos inside, the audio tour more than made up for it. It was beautifully done, easy to follow, full of fascinating stories, and rich with art history. Each room seemed to unfold another layer of royal life, from Mary, Queen of Scots’ dramatic history to the formal spaces still used by the royal family today.
One thing that really stood out was the sense of this being a working palace and not just a historic site, but a place where events still happen and traditions continue. The dining settings were especially impressive. They were elegant and incredibly detailed, with sparkling silverware, crisp linens, and everything perfectly in place.
The gardens were another highlight. After all the rich interiors, it was so nice to step outside into wide open space, with perfectly kept lawns, floral displays and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey just nearby. Peaceful, green, and full of atmosphere with Arthur's Seat sitting as a backdrop.
And then, there was the audio guide’s little gem: learning that in the time of King Charles II, some very privileged individuals were invited to watch him be put to bed and rise again in the morning. A strange kind of honour, if you ask us… we’re still not quite sure what to make of that, but it definitely added a quirky footnote to the experience!
Visiting Holyroodhouse gave us a completely different view of royal life. Grander, more refined, and steeped in ceremony. It was a beautiful way to spend the afternoon, soaking up stories, art, and a bit of regal oddity.
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